MSQL

"venture market summary
By VentureWire Staff Reporters
Even as rumors swirl about the fate and future independence of a number of open-source software start-ups, an acknowledged leader in the latest wave of open-source development, MySQL AB, has raised $18.5 million in its latest round of funding.
Both this financing and the speculation over a $700 million roll-up by Oracle of as many as three different open-source start-ups reflect the choices early-stage companies face between independence and acquisition.
At MySQL, the decision to raise capital was all about sending a message of independence to its customers and the market, according to the company's chief executive, Marten Mickos. 'A strong balance sheet is a great thing to show to customers or partners,' he said. 'Just to show -- hey, nothing can rock this boat.' "